If you missed the Christmas Eve Candlelight Service, or would like to watch it again, the service is available to view online. Click here to watch it.

Camp Firwood photos online

Daily pictures from Camp Firwood, held July 29th through August 4th, are available online! Click here to find links to them.

“Shipwrecked” day camp pictures

Pictures from our “Shipwrecked” day camp, held here July 9-13, are available online! Click here to find links to them.

How should we handle Halloween? When you sift through the history, the myths, and the urban legends of Halloween, you find a mixed bag of traditions from many sources. So, how do we handle this mish-mash American secular holiday? Pastor Bruce dealt with the subject in 2011 with his sermon titled “Handling Halloween”.

Daily pictures from Camp Firwood are available online! Click here to find links to them.

“Maker Fun Factory” day camp pictures

Pictures from our “Maker Fun Factory” day camp, held July 10-14 are now available online! Click here to find links to them.

Meals for the Grandy family

Our church family, Bruce and Connie Grandy, have appreciated meals while she was in the hospital and extended care; now she is home with Bruce caring for her around the clock.

If you would like to help minister to the family by providing a meal (or more!) to them, check out their Meal Train website which includes suggestions on how to prepare and deliver meals, including “add breakfast items”, delivering flowers, and providing condiments.

“The Case for Christ” coming April 7-9

The Case for Christ, based on Lee Strobel’s book of the same name, will be showing April 7-9 at the Cascade Mall cinemas.

In 1980 Strobel, an atheist and award-winning investigative journalist, applied his journalistic and legal skills to attempt to disprove his wife Leslie’s newfound Christian faith. After completing a thorough investigation for almost two years, he found a new faith in Christ.

If you missed the Christmas Eve Candlelight Service, or would like to watch it again, the service is available to view online. Click here to watch it.

Graham Kerr guest speaker this Sunday

Author, cooking personality, and inspirational speaker Graham Kerr will be sharing with us this Sunday, January 1st at both morning services. He will be bringing a message about “Pure Joy!”

Meals for the Grandy family

Connie Grandy had a severe stroke on December 27th and has been in the hospital in Seattle since. Last month she was totally paralyzed from her neck down and only able to move her eyes. She has made amazing progress in the past several weeks and now is starting to talk, and move her left hand and foot!

If you missed Thursday’s Christmas Eve Candlelight Service, or would like to watch it again, the service is available to view online. Click here to watch it.

Jason Gray concerts here January 3rd

On Sunday, January 3rd the morning services at His Place Community Church will feature the music and ministry of Jason Gray. Known for writing music for the heart, mind, and spirit, Jason is regarded as “one of Christian music’s most respected singer/songwriters” and “a poignant songwriter with the ability to gently turn a common phrase into a work of art.”

Jason’s songs “More Like Falling in Love”, “I Am New”, and “Remind Me Who I Am” were hits on the Billboard Top Christian Songs chart. Recently, “Good to Be Alive” and “With Every Act of Love” have also been top-20 songs on Christian radio.

The one-hour concerts at 9:00 and 11:00 am are free of charge, and the community is invited to come and enjoy “a morning with Jason Gray.”

Carnival games, prizes, pony rides, a cakewalk, three huge bounce attractions, Java Jo’s on the Go food truck, and fun are all coming to Arktoberfest! Dress up in a not-so-scary and appropriate costume, and bring your family and friends here on Halloween night from 5:00 to 9:00 pm in the Ark, sanctuary, and Youth House. Pizza, burgers, corn dogs, chicken strips, french fries, espresso, hot chocolate, spiced cider, and much more will be available to purchase, so you can even have dinner at the carnival! $5 punch cards worth 15 carnival games will be on sale at the door. Everyone is welcome!

Camp Firwood photos online

Daily pictures from Camp Firwood are available online! Click here to find them in the children’s photo albums.

“Everest” day camp photos online

Daily pictures from “Everest” day camp, which ran July 6-10, are now available online! Click here to find them in the children’s photo albums.

Church pool hours

The church pool is open to all His Place attenders and their guests from 12:00 noon to 5:00 pm, Monday through Saturday. Concessions (towels, snacks, and drinks) and donations fund all pool expenses.

Video introduction to “Word Play ”

Click here to watch the video that sent out on DVD, introducing us to “Word Play”, our new series set! To find out more, and to share your thoughts and ideas about the series with others, visit hpWordPlay.com.

“Weaving the Word” scripture files

Click here to download color-coded scripture files for our “Weaving the Word” series, available in both PDF and Word formats.

Watch the Christmas Eve Candlelight Service

If you missed Wednesday’s Christmas Eve Candlelight Service, or would like to watch it again, the service is available to view online. Click here to watch it.

Arktoberfest FREE photo booth pictures

Click here to view and download pictures taken at the FREE Photo Booth at Arktoberfest.

Camp Firwood photos online

Daily pictures from Camp Firwood, which ran July 27th through August 2nd, are available online! Click here to find them in the children’s photo albums.

Weird Animals day camp photos online

Daily pictures from the Weird Animals day camp, which ran July 7-11, are now available online! Click here to find them in the children’s photo albums.

Melodic Caring Project on Evening Magazine

Our own Levi and Stephanie Ware founded and run a ministry that films and live-stream personalized concerts to hospitalized children and teens facing serious illnesses. These sessions not only provide a music experience for kids, but a chance to socialize with their friends through live chat during the concert. Evening Magazine recently featured the ministry; click here to watch the segment.

Camp Firwood photos online

Click here to view daily pictures of His Place campers from Camp Firwood, which runs July 28th through August 3rd.

His Place blood drive August 12th

Puget Sound Blood Center will be holding the His Place Community Church blood drive here in our parking lot on Monday, August 12th from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. To schedule your appointment for this life-saving opportunity, go to www.psbc.org/drives.

Kingdom Rock day camp photos online

Daily pictures from the Kingdom Rock day camp, which ran July 8-12, are now available online! Click here to find them in the children’s photo albums.

Watch the Christmas Eve Candlelight Services again

If you missed Monday’s Christmas Eve Candlelight Service, or would like to watch it again, both services (7:00 pm and 9:00 pm) are available to view online.

Click here and click on the Videos tab on the right-hand side to find recordings of both services. NOTE: The last ten minutes of the 9:00 service were not recorded due to an Internet outage.

Camp Firwood photos online

Daily pictures from Camp Firwood, running July 29 - August 4, are now available online! Click here to find them in the children’s photo albums.

Sky day camp photos online

Daily pictures from the Sky day camp, running July 9-13, are now available online! Click here to find them in the children’s photo albums.

The Art of Marriage registration deadline: May 9th

There’s still time to register for The Art of Marriage, a new day-and-a-half video event coming to His Place on Friday, May 18th from 7:00 pm to 9:30 pm and Saturday, May 19th from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Recently developed by Family Life Today, these dynamic sessions provide an engaging presentation of marriage experiences and insights by weaving together real life stories, respected experts, and humorous vignettes. Topics include God’s plan for a fulfilling relationship, deepening communication, mastering conflict, overcoming isolation, experiencing real intimacy, and more.

Pregnancy Choices’ Run for Your Mum 5K fun run and walk will be held on Saturday, May 12th in two locations: at Crosswinds Drive in Burlington at 9:00 am, and at Highway 20 and Superior Avenue in Concrete at 3:00 pm. Your help is greatly needed for this life-impacting ministry. For more information, please visit www.RunForYourMum.com or call Pregnancy Choices at 428-4777.

Sign up for “Simple Suppers”

What better way to connect with your church family than over a meal? Sign up to attend “Simple Suppers” potluck dinners being held in host homes all over Skagit County on May 5th, 6th, 19th, and 20th. You can sign up at the church this Sunday.

Congregational meeting on February 12th

Everyone is invited (members and non-members) to the annual Congregational Meeting next Sunday, February 12th at 12:30 pm in the sanctuary. A brief overview of 2011 and what’s ahead in 2012 will be presented. Also, new council members will be ratified by a vote of members.

Watch the Christmas Eve Candlelight Services again

If you missed Saturday’s Christmas Eve Candlelight Service, or would like to watch it again, both services (7:00 and 9:00) are available to view online.

On Sunday, January 1st the morning services at His Place will feature the music and ministry of Jason Gray. Known for writing music for the heart, mind, and spirit, Jason’s deeply personal songs combine various styles – such as rock, folk, and soul – while expressing the Gospel in a vulnerable, transparent fashion.

Jason’s songs “More Like Falling in Love” and “I Am New” were hits on the Billboard Christian Songs chart during the last year, and “Remind Me Who I Am” from his new album recently hit #5 on the chart. The Sound Opinion, a collective of some of the most respected and thoughtful reviewers in Christian music, named Jason’s latest album “A Way To See In The Dark” as the best album of 2011.

The one-hour concerts at 9:00 and 11:00 am are free of charge, and the community is invited to come and enjoy “a morning with Jason Gray.”

Lance Gibbon, one of our worship team members, is again offering free downloads of his Christmas album. This instrumental collection of Christmas classics is available to listen to online, download to an MP3 player, burn to a CD, and/or share with family or friends.

This year, Christmas Day will fall on a Sunday. Our regular worship service will be incorporated into the Christmas Eve Candlelight services on the evening of the 24th, and no services will be held on Sunday, December 25th.

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service

Plan now to come celebrate the birth of Jesus at our joy-filled, home-spun Christmas Eve Candlelight Service! Invite your friends and family to join us for singing, laughter, and worship on Saturday, December 24th at 7:00 or 9:00 pm. The doors will open 30 minutes beforehand.

Again this year, we’ll be broadcasting live video and audio of the services over the Internet! Watch them live by visiting this web page and clicking on the “video webcast” link, which will be available that evening. The services are also available to view on iPhones, iPads, and Android phones and tablets! Click here for more information. (Note: You may wish to connect by WiFi if you don’t have an unlimited data plan.)

Arktoberfest pictures

If you missed Arktoberfest, be sure to check out all the funny, cute, and creative costumes! You'll find the Arktoberfest 2011 photo album, along with all the Children’s Church albums, here. Or click here to go directly to the photos!

Arktoberfest: Halloween carnival

Dress up and bring your family and friends to Arktoberfest, here on Monday, October 31st from 5:00 to 9:00 pm. Pizza, hot dogs, corn dogs, soft pretzels, mini donuts, and much more will be available to purchase, so you can even have dinner at the carnival! Punch cards worth 15 carnival games are on sale today at the table in the back. What a great gift for friends, neighbors and grandkids! Click here to see pictures from last year.

Carnival games, prizes, pony rides, a cake walk, three huge bounce attractions, good food, and fun are all coming to Arktoberfest. Dress up (no scary/evil costumes, please) and bring your family and friends here on Halloween night, next Sunday from 5:00 to 9:00 pm.

Camp Firwood photos online

Daily pictures from the PandaMania day camp, running July 31 - August 6, are now available online! Click here to find them in the children’s photo albums.

Redchairables.com

Now, you can watch higher-quality parable videos, listen to “new and improved” sermons, and download printable transcripts from our summer “Red Chairables” series. Visit the new website at www.redchairables.com.

PandaMania day camp photos online

Daily pictures from the PandaMania day camp, running July 11-15, are now available online! Click here to find them in the children’s photo albums.

“Route 66” on Evening Magazine

Wednesday, May 25th, on KING channel 5, Evening Magazine aired a segment about our video series called “Route 66: A Road Trip Through the Bible.” Reporter Jim Dever joined the cast of gruff pirates who were traveling through the New Testament book of Titus, “... and not a verse furrrrtherrr!” If you missed it, you can watch their report on the KING website by clicking here.

Day camp leaders needed

Are you ready for an unforgettable week this summer? PandaMania Day Camp is looking for fun and adventurous leaders to help out July 11th through 15th. We are preparing for an exciting adventure this summer, leading kids through an experience of a lifetime as they learn that God is “wild” about them!

We’re looking for 50 leaders who want to make a difference in the lives of our kids and experience a week they’ll never forget. If you want to be part of the PandaMania crew there are many ways to get involved: we need camp counselors, station leaders, decorators, a nurse, a bus driver, clean up crew, and supply restockers.

To be part of the fun, visit the sign-up table on Sunday or contact Linda Brown at 757-8961 or send her an e-mail at lindab@hisplacechurch.com.

Good Friday service: Journey to the Cross

On Good Friday, April 22nd you are invited to experience the Journey to the Cross presented by our own Ignition youth ministry. Join us from 6:30 to 8:00 pm for a night that will help us slow down, open our hearts, and draw near to our Lord. This Journey to the Cross is intended to help us identify with our Lord and experience a small glimpse of what He went through for us.

Staci Frenes here April 29th

Join us for an evening of songs and stories with Staci Frenes on Friday, April 29th, from 7:00 to 8:30 pm in the sanctuary (doors will open at 6:30 pm). The suggested donation is $10 at the door.

A dear friend of Jason Gray, Staci is a critically acclaimed singer/songwriter whose folky-pop music can be found on major TV networks such as NBC, ABC, CBS and Lifetime. Find out more about Staci on Facebook or visit her website at www.stacifrenes.com.

Abundant Life Retreat

The Abundant Life Retreat weekend, coming April 15–17 at beautiful Fort Flagler, provides a place to spend time with your Creator, meditate on His Word, and listen to His heart for you. You’ll meet others who've come for the same reason -- and don’t worry, you won’t be restricted to total silence! There will also be times of fellowship, sharing wonderful meals together, praise and worship, and even some free time to toss a Frisbee or take a walk with a friend. The cost is $80 per person, including meals and lodging. More information and registration can be found online at www.abundantliferetreats.org or call Steve or Sharon Schell at 770-3469.

Every Man’s Battle

Let’s face it men: from television to the Internet and print media to the movies, we are constantly bombarded with sensual images. It is impossible to avoid such temptations, but thankfully not impossible to live above them.

Every Man’s Battle provides a practical plan for any man who wants to win the war against sexual temptation and develop a pure mind, heart, and life, with God’s help. We’re planning a 9-week men’s group to work through the book together on Thursday evenings beginning April 7th. To sign up or learn more, contact Pastor John at 757-3111 or send him an e-mail. Space is limited so don’t delay!

Her Place @ His Place

Ladies, please join us for “Her Place @ His Place” this Saturday, April 2nd from 9:30 am to noon in the sanctuary. Bring a friend to enjoy the morning of food and fellowship. Our theme for April is Spiritual Gifts. Jacque Dougherty will talk about what the Word says about our unique place in the body of Christ. Then we will discuss how to recognize the gifts God has given us by taking a spiritual gifts inventory.

Printed inventories will be available on Saturday, but we encourage you to take it in advance online at http://tinyurl.com/herplace since you will receive your score right away.

Visit hisplaceladies.com for more information and to register so we can prepare appropriately or contact Marianne Manville-Ailles at 391-0375. The $5 donation is paid at the door, if you are able. If you bring a dish to share, that's payment enough, but please let us know if you’re planning to bring something and what you’d like to bring.

Baptism coming April 3rd

If you would like to be part of our next baptism, pick up a baptism packet at the church. Participants must return the Baptism Interest Response form to the church office by Monday, March 21st. Then, attend the baptism class at 10:30 am on Sunday, April 3rd at the front of the sanctuary. Baptism will be held that Sunday in the pool next to the Ark, following 2nd service.

Old Testament and Related Studies

Come study the Bible and history with Bible scholar John Muir at our “Old Testament and Related Studies” class. If you have ever wanted a deeper understanding and appreciation of God’s Word, this class is for you! We will begin in Genesis and continue through the Gospels … all in just 11 weeks. Bring your Bible and your curiosity; questions are encouraged! The class will begin Sunday, March 20th at 2:00 pm in the Boat Shed.

Couples’ group starting

Wives, do you long to feel more loved by your husband? Husbands, would you like to have more respect from your wife? These divinely-designed keys to a fulfilling marriage are the subject of the breakthrough book Love and Respect. Beginning Wednesday, March 9th for 14 weeks, a couples’ group will be working through the book together from 7:00 to 8:30 pm in the Boat Shed. Cost for the book and workbook is $25. Space is limited so contact the church office to register.

Hope for Youth International

Hope for Youth International, an outreach ministry to high school international students, is looking for host homes for high school exchange students for the 2011-2012 school year. We need four to six host homes in the Skagit Valley who have a heart for high schoolers and missions who will open their heart and home to a young person from another country.

Almost anyone can host, provided you pass a criminal background/reference check. Our volunteer host homes provide a place for the student to sleep, and provide breakfast, sack lunch, and dinner. Students take care of all their own incidentals and have their own insurance. For further information e-mail us at info@hfyinternational.org, or call Tony at 253-921-5836. You can also visit our website at www.hfyinternational.org

Ladies, come join us for Her Place @ His Place on Saturday, March 5th from 9:30 am to noon (doors open at 9:15) in the sanctuary. Bring a friend to enjoy the morning of food and fellowship. Our theme for March is “Renewal”. For all of you ladies that have been curious about this Zumba craze, this is your chance to try it out right here in the sanctuary (we will have an alternate workshop for those of you who are not able or would prefer not to Zumba).

Visit hisplaceladies.com for more information and to register so we can prepare appropriately or contact Marianne Manville-Ailles at 391-0375. The $5 donation is paid at the door, if you are able. If you bring a dish to share, that's payment enough, but please let us know if you’re planning to bring something and what you’d like to bring.

Financial Peace University

7 out of 10 American families are living paycheck-to-paycheck; many are deeply in debt, creating destructive stress and conflict in their lives and relationships. Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University provides biblically-sound and highly-motivating principles and strategies for overcoming financial chaos and debt to find financial peace.

This 13-week class will be held Sundays from 6:00 to 8:00 pm, February 13th to May 15th in the Ark. The first class, titled “Super Savings” is free. All are invited.

Beth Moore coming to Tacoma

Beth Moore’s Living Proof Live event is coming to the Tacoma Dome Friday and Saturday, March 11th and 12th. No two events are the same; Beth’s focus will be on the scripture that God lays on her heart for that event.

As she explores the Bible and how it applies to real life, you’ll be amazed by her own experiences as a believer, and you’ll be inspired to magnify and strengthen your own relationship with God.

Seats are $65 general admission; grab your group of girlfriends for a great get-away event. Visit the Lifeway website or call 800-254-2022 to purchase tickets and for more information.

“10 Minutes With ...” Pastor Bruce

SEATTLE (RNS) Nicole Neroulias talks with Bruce Wersen, pastor of His Place Community Church in Burlington, Wash., about "Route 66: A Road Trip Through the Bible," his online video series that presents each book of the Bible as a conversation with hitchhikers in his clunker convertible.
Click here to read the article at Religion News Service.

Membership Celebration January 30th

So, you read through the membership manual, listened to the CD, turned in your commitment card, and now you are ready for our next Membership Celebration. How exciting! The next celebration will be Sunday, January 30th from 12:30 to 1:00 pm in the sanctuary. Visit or call the church office to sign up to attend, or to pick up a membership packet.

Souper Bowl Sunday

On Sunday, February 6th we will be participating in The Souper Bowl of Caring with over 14,000 churches nationwide in an effort to benefit local food banks. Everyone is invited to bring a can of soup or a dollar bill, which will be collected at the back of the sanctuary following both services.

Her Place @ His Place

Ladies, join us for Her Place @ His Place this Saturday, February 5th from 9:30 am to noon (doors open at 9:15am) in the sanctuary. Bring a friend to enjoy the morning of food and fellowship. Our theme for February is “A Woman’s Great Romance with Her God.”

Visit hisplaceladies.com for more information and to register, or contact Marianne Manville-Ailles at 391-0375. The $5 donation is paid at the door, if you are able. If you bring a dish to share, that’s payment enough, but please let us know if you’re planning to bring something. Free childcare is available on a reserved basis; please contact Shannon Cross at 540-0370 by no later than Monday, January 31st to reserve your spot.

Volunteers needed for Royal Family Kids’ Camp

This year’s Royal Family Kids’ Camp, coming in June, will demonstrate God’s amazing love to abused and neglected children from Skagit County. Volunteers and financial support are needed now to make it happen. We need camp counselors, camp nurses, and lots of support staff. We also need volunteers to help with our new fundraiser, called the “40-40-10 Challenge.” For more information, visit Dave and Kim Rudy at the church this Sunday, or contact them at rfkcskagit@ymail.com or 840-8361.

Watch the Christmas Eve Candlelight Services again

If you missed this year’s Christmas Eve Candlelight Service, or would like to watch it again, both services (7:00 and 9:00) are available to view online.

All ladies are invited to enroll in David: Seeking a Heart Like His. We will meet at the church to review the weekly lesson in small discussion groups, followed by an insightful video teaching by the author, Beth Moore. Groups will meet Tuesdays 7:00–9:00 pm, or Wednesdays, 10:00 am to noon for this 11-week study that begins February 15th (evening) or February 16th (daytime).

Enrollment ($25) is at the church this Sunday. Remember, late registrations are no longer permitted so be sure to enroll yourself and your friend by Sunday, January 23rd.

Men’s Fraternity resumes January 12th

Men of His Place - Men’s Fraternity resumes on Wednesday, January 12th at 6:30 pm in the sanctuary. Over the next several months we’ll tackle the next phase of our Quest for Authentic Manhood. This video series offers a clear and compelling picture of what it means to be a man, and then extends the challenge and inspiration to build that framework into the fabric of your life in a personalized way. If you haven’t been involved, but would like to join the Quest, this is a great time to do so! Register by calling the church office. The cost is just $15 for the workbook.

GriefShare seminar and support group

GriefShareis a seminar and support group providing comfort and encouragement for those dealing with the loss of a loved one. Insight is provided by experts and others with first-hand experience of grief and healing, and help is provided from God’s Word and small group support. The group will meet in the Ark from 7:00 to 9:00 pm on Monday evenings for 13 weeks beginning January 10th. Information and registration are available by calling the church office.

Her Place @ His Place

Ladies: Join us as we kick off 2011 with “Her Place @ His Place” this Saturday, January 8th from 9:30 am to noon (doors open at 9:15) in the sanctuary. Bring a friend to enjoy the morning of food and fellowship. Our theme for January is Legacy and we have special worship planned and a panel of ladies that you won’t want to miss.

Visit hisplaceladies.com for more information and to register, or contact Marianne Manville-Ailles at 391-0375. The $5 donation is paid at the door, if you are able. If you bring a dish to share, that’s payment enough, but please let us know if you’re planning to do so. Free childcare is available on a reserved basis; please contact Shannon Cross at 540-0370 by no later than Monday, January 3rd to reserve your spot.

Jason Gray concerts January 2nd

On Sunday, January 2nd our morning services will feature the music and ministry of Jason Gray. Known for writing music for the heart, mind, and spirit, Jason’s songs combine various styles – such as rock, folk, and soul – while effectively and honestly expressing the Gospel.

Jason’s song “More Like Falling in Love” hit number 4 on the adult-contemporary chart this year, and “I Am New” is currently working its way up the chart. He recently toured with Michael W. Smith, TobyMac, Third Day, and Max Lucado on the 2010 “Make a Difference Tour”, and has spent the month of December touring with Andrew Peterson on the “Behold the Lamb of God Tour”.

The mini-concerts at 9:00 and 11:00 am are free of charge, so be sure to invite your friends and family to join us as we enjoy “a morning with Jason Gray.”